Open AccessImaging in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and current limitations
Author(s) -
Roberta Eufrasia Ledda,
Maurizio Balbi,
Francesca Milone,
Andrea Ciuni,
Mario Silva,
Nicola Sverzellati,
Gianluca Milanese
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
bjr|open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2513-9878
DOI - 10.1259/bjro.20210026
Subject(s) - bronchiectasis , medicine , radiological weapon , cystic fibrosis , context (archaeology) , radiology , computed tomography , medical imaging , lung , paleontology , biology
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis represents a heterogenous spectrum of disorders characterised by an abnormal and permanent dilatation of the bronchial tree associated with respiratory symptoms. To date, diagnosis relies on computed tomography (CT) evidence of dilated airways. Nevertheless, definite radiological criteria and standardised CT protocols are still to be defined. Although largely used, current radiological scoring systems have shown substantial drawbacks, mostly failing to correlate morphological abnormalities with clinical and prognostic data. In limited cases, bronchiectasis morphology and distribution, along with associated CT features, enable radiologists to confidently suggest an underlying cause. Quantitative imaging analyses have shown a potential to overcome the limitations of the current radiological criteria, but their application is still limited to a research setting. In the present review, we discuss the role of imaging and its current limitations in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The potential of automatic quantitative approaches and artificial intelligence in such a context will be also mentioned.